Which Fruits are Safe To Eat?

Which Fruits are Safe To Eat?

A lot of dog’s really do like the odd piece of fruit. They enjoy a taste of something sweet from time to time, just as we do. When it’s hot, feeding your dog some frozen fruit can be a really good way of cooling them down while giving them a tasty, low calorie treat too. When they are teething as puppies, chewing on something like a piece of frozen carrot or broccoli can be very soothing indeed, but which fruits are OK and which could cause problems?

There is a world of difference between the word “safe” and the phrase “won’t cause any reactions”. Simply put, just because a food stuff is “safe” doesn’t mean that your dog may not experience alteration in his bowel habit as a result (he may be windy or even “loose” – a little or A LOT) so if you are thinking of introducing fruit to their diet, then please do it gradually to prevent any digestive discomfort to Rover, or any unwanted “poopy presents” for you!

FRUIT

SAFE or NOT

Strawberries

Yes – if your dog shows signs of allergies, do not feed strawberries again as they are known to be allergenic in some dogs.

Raspberries

Yes

Water Mellon

Yes – though the rind could cause intestinal blockage if the dog doesn’t chew it well enough. If in doubt, leave the rind out. The seeds, should be fine provided there are only a few. Again, everything in moderation so if you miss a couple when cutting the slice, don’t panic.

Apples

Yes. Many people quote that the seeds are dangerous. Well yes, they do contain trace elements of cyanide but the levels are incredibly low and in the same way as one would not expect an apple seed to kill a human, the odd seed or two, or apple core now and again won’t hurt your dog either. As with anything, common sense should be applied and care taken that the dog doesn’t eat very many pips.

Bananas

Yes – great squashed into a Kong and frozen

Oranges

Yes

Raisins

No – can cause kidney failure

Grapes

No – can cause kidney failure

Cherries

No – can cause cyanide toxicity if eaten in large quantities

Avocado

No – can cause vomiting

Peaches

Yes – provided you remove the pit which could otherwise become blocked in the digestive tract

Pineapple

Yes – can also be good at dissuading coprophagia (eating poop). Poop produced when an animal has been eating pineapple is a lot less appetising apparently!

Macadamia Nuts

No – can cause a total paralysis reaction which may last for 24 hours, and may at worst, prevent the animal from breathing.

Kiwis

Yes

Lemons

Yes

Blue Berries

Yes

When I originally posted on the Rhodes 2 Safety Facebook page about what fruit is good for your dog to eat, Jess Lessard a “Food Photographer” friend of mine from America sent me the link to some photos she took of her dog caught in the act (on purpose) for an article she was writing.

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I wrote this blog in 2016 but the information in it is still valid (although prices for the test may have changed). There is a phone number in the blog should you require further information or to book an appointment slot for your dog.

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